Battle of the Little Bighorn, Custer's Last Stand

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TheDataMeister

TheDataMeister

Күн бұрын

Episode 5 of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, this time focusing on Custer's Last Stand. Please bear in mind that much of this information is speculative.
Episode 6 will be about the Reno-Benteen defense and at some point, I shall include a video on the Reno Court of Inquiry.

Пікірлер: 743
@namelessclown5798
@namelessclown5798 Жыл бұрын
Wow.....city of Prague Phillharmonic Orchestra! I am blown away :) Greetings from Czech republic, fellow history enthusiastics ;-)
@MilitaryHistory317
@MilitaryHistory317 Жыл бұрын
I was in Prague 30 years ago, right after the "Wall" fell. I bet it is an amazing place, and hope to go back.
@Resenbrink
@Resenbrink 2 жыл бұрын
I'm endlessly fascinated by the history of this incident and all the numerous characters it involves and I think Connell's book "Son of the Morning Star" is just magnificent. I visited the battlefield in '97 when I was on a driving trip around the US on vacation from Australia. Thanks for your video.
@juliusdream2683
@juliusdream2683 Жыл бұрын
Son of the morning star is also Lucifer . That’s was satans name before being shot down to earth like a lightning ⚡️ bolt. Your from Australia so I’m assuming you are an atheist who believes in evolution. And every other lie the government tells you.
@Resenbrink
@Resenbrink Жыл бұрын
@@juliusdream2683 wow, how did you end up on this video?
@robertschultz6922
@robertschultz6922 Жыл бұрын
There are many better books out there about the battle. When morning star was made into a movie it gained a ton of fans!
@disgruntledpedant2755
@disgruntledpedant2755 Жыл бұрын
ALL lbh historians rely on walter camps field notes for the bulk of info. Camp never wrote his great history of custer and the plains wars, but his efforts are the basis of all others..
@BobbyEllaForever
@BobbyEllaForever Жыл бұрын
@@robertschultz6922care to share what books those may be, sir?
@GeographyCzar
@GeographyCzar 8 ай бұрын
Impressive. Like all narratives, this doesn't explain, or fit, every piece of evidence and eyewitness account, but it comes really really close. Probably one of the best yet.
@marks1638
@marks1638 2 жыл бұрын
Even with all the historical data, eyewitness accounts, and battlefield archeology, no one will really know what happened that day. But I enjoyed the presentation immensely and it's pushing the known data as far as possible.
@rustyshackleford7282
@rustyshackleford7282 2 жыл бұрын
we know what Happened,,,The murderer of natives went and disobeyed orders and attacked 2,000 pissed off Natives with only 260 men,,,,he got them killed.
@MJ-we9vu
@MJ-we9vu 2 жыл бұрын
A great summary of the action along Battle Ridge and Last Stand Hill. Thank you.
@reiddillashaw2383
@reiddillashaw2383 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for all the time and effort you've put into these videos, for the Battle of Little Bighorn. The drone views of the battlefield are fantastic, and you've clearly studied the battle, very well. It's all helped me to have a better understanding what happened in the fight. Bravo and well done!
@jimsatterfield8748
@jimsatterfield8748 2 жыл бұрын
Have you read "A Road We Do Not Know?" Great novel of the Little Bighorn.
@heydadd
@heydadd 2 жыл бұрын
we just visited the battlefield around Aug 23 and it is wonderful to find this narrative and video. We found the site profoundly moving and imagined in our minds what happened. We gained a great respect for the Indians who were protecting their families, their land, and their way of life.
@robertschultz6922
@robertschultz6922 Жыл бұрын
Was there a ton of snakes? I have been told they are everywhere at the park and I'm deadly afraid of the things!!!
@heydadd
@heydadd Жыл бұрын
@@robertschultz6922 didn't see a one.
@ToddSauve
@ToddSauve 3 ай бұрын
@@robertschultz6922 Rattle snakes generally don't like you as much as you don't like them and will usually exit stage left as soon as they see you. Unless you absolutely surprise them, which is not too likely.
@ok-pj4eu
@ok-pj4eu Жыл бұрын
One of the best videos I ever seen on Custer's Last Stand. Very informative and with these precise Maps you get to see exactly all the positions of the soldiers and the Soiux and Cheyenne Warriors during the battle.
@lambsoffaiththroughjesusch7919
@lambsoffaiththroughjesusch7919 2 жыл бұрын
Wow that is a great mix of music of Zulu with the Battle of Little Bighorn. The Zulu of Southern Africa were great warriors just as the Sioux were on the great plains of America. Both Tribes got Great Victories over their adversaries.
@robertmizel137
@robertmizel137 2 жыл бұрын
My wife and I visited the battlefield over Labor Day weekend. Your videos were very helpful in understanding the battle. I watched them both before and after our visit.
@MilitaryHistory317
@MilitaryHistory317 2 жыл бұрын
That is great to hear, thank you.
@mc203e9
@mc203e9 Жыл бұрын
I read "Personal Recollections and Observations of General Nelson A. Miles", a highly experienced Indian fighter who eventually rose to become the commander of the American army. He knew and admired Custer. Nelson rode over the battlefield in June of 1878 almost exactly 2 years later in the company of 25 warriors who had fought in the battle. He also met with Custer's scout Curley. After going over the field with other officers and the Indians who fought there, analyzing the course of the battle and the strength of the combatants Nelson sums it up in his book saying “No commanding officer can win victories with seven-twelves of his command remaining out of the engagement when within the sound of his rifle-shot”
@jasonmickey1613
@jasonmickey1613 2 жыл бұрын
Really liked the indicating overlay onto landscape pictures and the corresponding maps. This event has always been so confusing when studying it - not to mention the differences in sources. Thank you!
@retriever19golden55
@retriever19golden55 Жыл бұрын
Thank you! I was leery of watching this video, because I'm sick and tired of people who call Custer a stupid, crazy, Indian hater, and a butcher of women and children, who was completely at fault for the disaster...because they watched the movie Little Big Man. Custer was a legitimate hero of the Civil War, and was a Lt. Colonel in 1876, and not the commander of the Dakota Column. That was General Terry, who absolutely knew Custer's personality, and knew he would attack if he found his quarry. You are dead on when you point out the misconceptions, because everyone, from Sherman on down, believed that the biggest problem would be finding the Natives and forcing them to engage; their typical strategy was to break up into family groups and disappear into the countryside when confronted with the prospect of a battle they were not prepared for. Hancock, for instance, had chased them all over creation a few years before and never caught up with them...he managed to kill a total of three Natives, two of whom were friendlies! After the Little Big Horn debacle, Crook nearly starved his troopers to death before he caught up with them at Slim Buttes. Custer has been unfairly maligned the last few decades, and has become the poster child of every awful thing Europeans have done to the tribes since first contact, mostly because few Americans can name any other soldier involved in the conflicts.
@TheGeosto
@TheGeosto 8 ай бұрын
Thank you Mrs. Custer!
@daviddowning2152
@daviddowning2152 6 ай бұрын
Custer was a fool
@laudace1764
@laudace1764 6 ай бұрын
@@daviddowning2152 I see he is with good company.
@LouisFatale-fv1rb
@LouisFatale-fv1rb 5 ай бұрын
Custer WAS a butcher, raper, and kidnapper of Native Americans women and children; the Waschita fight 8 years earlier proves that. And he was so delighted with the success he had by kidnapping women and children that he planned the same maneuver at the little Bighorn. If you do a little more research, you will see in many publications that that was his absolute plan to decimate the women and children; kidnap whoever he could and then he would be able to separate the warriors and defeat the Sioux. Although this was done many times after the little Bighorn fight, thankfully the arrogant narcissistic Custer was not successful this time and he and his brothers got exactly what they had coming to them!!
@LouisFatale-fv1rb
@LouisFatale-fv1rb 5 ай бұрын
Custer WAS a butcher, rapist and kidnapper of Native American women, children, and elderly; the Waschita fight 8 years earlier proves that. In fact, he was so delighted with the success of that technique that he planned to employ it at the little Bighorn at the Sioux and Cheyenne encampment. If you do a little more research, you will see that this is mentioned in many discussions of his planning for the battle… And was also brought out in the Reno and Benteen trials. Although these type of atrocities were committed many times after the bighorn fight, thank goodness that this time the Native Americans avoided that fate. And Custer and his brothers got EXACTLY what they had coming to them.
@wneighbors1
@wneighbors1 2 жыл бұрын
Great lecture; one of the most concise I’ve heard on the subject. Definitely subscribed and looking forward to the next chapter.
@georgeparsons7338
@georgeparsons7338 2 жыл бұрын
This battle has always intrigued me since a child. I have been to the site twice and hope to go again. Have read a dozen maybe two dozen books on the subject. Captain Keogh is my favorite character in this tragedy. His military service is incredible. Served in the papal wars. Was Buford's adjutant at Gettysburg. And rode the horse Commanche. Several other horses survived the battle and went on to serve with the Sioux and Cheyenne. Others too wounded for the indians were put down by a salvage party led by a captain who was a friend of keogh.when he found Keogh and Commanche he couldn't or wouldn't shoot Commanche.
@robertschultz6922
@robertschultz6922 Жыл бұрын
I agree!!! The captains military history from being a member of the staff of general Buford during the first day of Gettysburg to this battle he truly was a wonderful cavalier officer!!! I always wanted to read his diary or journal.
@JackDiamond21
@JackDiamond21 Жыл бұрын
That's why Captain Keogh wasn't mutilated, we were brutal and savage yes but we weren't the bloodthirsty savages the victors of this war made us out to be. They're assholes on both sides, all sides had that one guy that made it worse for everyone. But back to Capt Keogh, we honored and admired bravery, the warriors knew that Myles Keogh proved himself that's why Crazy Horse was sent after him. Again yes we did mutilate our enemies, but we didn't mutilate the known soldiers who proved their worth to us. I can guarantee you that all the ones that were mutilated (almost all of them except a few) was because they fought like cowards. We understood that what comes with war comes death, we understood if we take this route this is what's going to happen. Some tribes have practiced warfare for ages, the Lakota band of Sioux is a warfare tribe, the Dakota I'm from has warrior societies. And long ago the Lakota came from those warrior societies. I'm not making excuses I'm just saying if they weren't mutilated is cause we respected you, and well it's easy to deduce that mutilations stem from extreme hatred, of which there was plenty to go around from both sides back then. Remember that is warfare there is nothing you can do about it, I'm sorry things couldn't be more peaceful. But the reality is, if you choose war prepare for death, whether it's you or your loved ones. Nothing good comes from war, look to Ukraine for example.. a perfect example of war, there is nothing you can do about it, there is nothing you can do about it, there is nothing you can do about it. Remember war is by choice, you can decide to go to war or you can decide peace. At first we wanted peace then everything went to hell, whatever happened she said he said I don't care. What can we do moving forward together so our people don't go through that again??
@JackDiamond21
@JackDiamond21 Жыл бұрын
And again just remember, Myles Keogh was so good of a fighter they sent Crazy Horse after him. That says alot when you send one of the most esteemed warriors after one guy. Again we love and honor Myles Keogh, great warrior!! Great man!!
@georgeparsons7338
@georgeparsons7338 Жыл бұрын
@@JackDiamond21 I've read that he had 18 spent carbine cartridges, along with pistol rounds around him when they found him.
@JackDiamond21
@JackDiamond21 Жыл бұрын
@@georgeparsons7338 yup fought like an absolute beast!!!
@brazosteinway5924
@brazosteinway5924 Жыл бұрын
Well done. I am obsessessed with this battle, have studied and read even the court martial details. Well done.
@whicker59
@whicker59 Жыл бұрын
Very nicely presented n detail with helpful diagrams showing placements and movements. First class.
@superbee-di5tp
@superbee-di5tp 2 жыл бұрын
My wife and I were there in September 2016. We toured the Battlefield in our car. You could feel the mayhem around you. It was an experience I’ll never forget. I’m saddened to hear the museum is abandoned. I know there was talk of him closing it and selling the town of Garryowen after we were there. I bought a book “Little Bighorn, Voices From a Distant Wind and it came with a DVD “Contested Ground”. The book is by Steven C. Adelson. I didn’t know if you had read the book or watched the DVD.
@Bill67604
@Bill67604 Жыл бұрын
Fantastic analysis, I enjoyed this immensely. Well thought out and presented. Thank you for this.
@MilitaryHistory317
@MilitaryHistory317 Жыл бұрын
Thank You!
@stevennardin1
@stevennardin1 10 ай бұрын
Thank you for the exercise in well presented clarity.......we appreciate the work and dedication to the subject.
@MilitaryHistory317
@MilitaryHistory317 10 ай бұрын
Thank you!
@aldosigmann419
@aldosigmann419 2 жыл бұрын
Thanx - i've always been fascinated with this battle - 101 opinions 4 sure!
@johnzeszut3170
@johnzeszut3170 2 жыл бұрын
Certainly interesting and time well spent. The Battle has spawned a cottage industry of books very much like "Jack The Ripper Exposed". I've have to watch the other episodes. My thanks.
@ronl8495
@ronl8495 Жыл бұрын
I truly enjoy your synopsis of these events! I have been to the battlefield twice and fully support your historical scenario! 😎 When you break it all down there were simply too many Sioux and Cheyenne to deal with on that on that June 25 afternoon!
@kennethdelorey8842
@kennethdelorey8842 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for putting up this series. Well done. I think out of the Army commanders, Benteen made the soundest decisions, if not the popular one. Leaving Reno and getting to Custer quickly sans the ammo packs would simply have reinforced defeat/massacre IMO. As it was they got to Weir Point and immediately got into an "Uh Oh" position as the Indian warriors came their way. The Native tribes had one heck of a week. They forced Crook back to Wyoming and mauled the 7th.
@dianadavis4861
@dianadavis4861 Жыл бұрын
@barbaraanneneale3674
@barbaraanneneale3674 10 ай бұрын
​@@dianadavis4861I could not disagree with you more. But that's the SLBH . Plenty to chew on.
@phenom568
@phenom568 9 ай бұрын
After watching this and other videos I don't think Custer intended on Benteen reaching him given Benteens path would take him directly to Reno first. I think the plan was for Benteen to support Reno and Custer swoop in on the flank. But Reno collapsed too early and Benteen wasn't close enough.
@tomservo5347
@tomservo5347 Жыл бұрын
I wish I still had it-a National Geographic from the 80's that fascinated me as a budding student of military history in which an archeological dig was conducted at the Little Bighorn battlefield. They uncovered skeletons of the fallen troopers, all them showing battle trauma and horrific injuries like smashed skulls and dismemberment. For the surviving wounded, it must have been terrible knowing your turn was next after hearing and seeing what was happening after the firing stopped. A striking photo I remember was of a skeletal foot still encased in the remains of his trooper bootheel. National Geographic was fantastic at one time before they shifted to agenda instead of just sharing information.
@robertschultz6922
@robertschultz6922 Жыл бұрын
There are several films and magazine stories of the dig plus the one after the wild land fire that went over the site a few years ago
@Bill67604
@Bill67604 Жыл бұрын
What a wonderfully insightful analysis and presentation.
@MilitaryHistory317
@MilitaryHistory317 Жыл бұрын
Thank you.
@nicholasconder4703
@nicholasconder4703 Жыл бұрын
One of the things that always intrigued me with Last Stand Hill was how much dead ground there is around it. Having served in the military, I could see large regions where someone could creep up to within 20m of the top without being seen. As this was the first spot I visited when I went there in 2008, I wondered why anyone would be so stupid as to try and fight from such an indefensible position. After following the progression of the battle, I could see why. Once the cavalry lost momentum, they were trapped on what was very indefensible ground. This was not the case on the hilltop that Benteen and Reno made their defenses. That hill had clear line of sight for several meters in every direction.
@gregoryalee2457
@gregoryalee2457 Жыл бұрын
Maybe the difference is that you are looking at this battle from the perspective of what you know from modern warfare times and warfare. Remember, the same could be said for the Civil War - in that you don't see why anyone in a battle would stand up and fire at each other until more are dead on the other side or ran off. Sounds crazy to me but that is how they fought back then.
@robertschultz6922
@robertschultz6922 Жыл бұрын
He was over confident in his ability and the lack of ability of the native American forces. He always thought that there would never be a situation that his 7th cavalry regiment could not take by mere force! He never knew if the change of tactics during the battle of rosebud.
@rickstersherpa
@rickstersherpa Жыл бұрын
The rifle musket has just come into wide spread use at time of American Civil War, with triple the effective range. In fact, many units, National as well as Rebel units were still using smooth bore rifles & tactics from 1861 - 63 were the smoothbore musket & bayonet tactics used since late 17th Century.
@richardcowling7381
@richardcowling7381 Жыл бұрын
​@@gregoryalee2457 By the time of the LBH breech loading rifles had already supplanted muskets in use, in fact during the civil war most cavalry was already armed with suc, so standing in firing lines was already going out of use.
@gregoryalee2457
@gregoryalee2457 Жыл бұрын
@@richardcowling7381 - Seems like a lot of standing was going on during this battle. They even called it: "Custer's Last Stand" lol
@Defender78
@Defender78 2 жыл бұрын
Wow the intro is like some early 1960s movie! Solid presentation on Custer's fight.
@lambsoffaiththroughjesusch7919
@lambsoffaiththroughjesusch7919 2 жыл бұрын
Yea it's Zulu. Another tribe in South Africa that defeated the British in a gruesome battle. Look it up. Great history.
@RV-eq8gj
@RV-eq8gj 6 ай бұрын
Thank you for your presentation- an excellent job and I thoroughly enjoyed watching all of them - a Fact that Custer marched his men 78 miles in 24 hours and went directly into Battle is not a decision of a wise leader graduate of WestPoint- and to send Reno into Battle with only 100 bullets per soldier and 50 of those were on a horse pouch that could not be easily got to - horses dont cooperate - Custer has no immediate idea of where the packtrain is at. Custer sent Benteen left oblique on a wild goose chase batting rough terrain on exhausted horses. Many of the horses in Custer outfit balked and simply refused to go because of exhaustion- Several Scout said their horses refused to go. Scouts reported several soldiers were off their horses and kicking their horse in the belly to try get them moving. Not to mention the men themselve were in no condition to fight being completely exhausted as well. Boston returned to the packtrain for a different horse most likely because the horse he was on was spent. Custer brought several horses along for himself to rotate on. No doubt Custer had great moments in the Civil War - LBH was a complete blunder on Custer Part. In the Newspaper archives for months before LBH story's were ran relating Sitting Bull threat ' I have 8000 warriors and if the army comes near me we will fight' So everyone in that era knew that Sitting Bull had a force of warriors and would fight. Once Custer showed his presence to the Indians it became a mass running battle. The army came in firing on the villiage and alot of the Indians remembered what happened at Sand Creek. Hostilities were high and it was over quick with most things happening in unison as 1000s of warriors swarming the entire Custer area on fresh horses- Calhoun fell some soldiers made it to Keogh but all the while Keogh was under assault - the stragglers from Keogh/Calhoun ran to Last Stand Hill and Last stand hill was as well under assault all the while and the last ran to Deep Ravine and it was over and it was quick. -- As for Reno and Benteen- Sitting Bull said "We have killed some soldiers let the others go" so Reno Benteen were harassed until camp was moved - the Indians may not have even known Terry was close by - Sitting Bull never got the memo
@trtj200
@trtj200 2 жыл бұрын
I was at the museum and battlefield in the late 1980's heard a very interesting presentation by a professor that was studying the battlefield, I wish I could remember his name, but he was in pretty much agreement with what you have presented here. He mentioned that the Indians had quite a few repeating rifles, while the Army only had single shots, he agreed that a lot of long range arrow volleys were fired to disable the horses more than to actually hit the soldiers.
@thomasfoss9963
@thomasfoss9963 2 жыл бұрын
A lot has been written about that-- How the 7th cavalry has single shot rifles or carbines, while the Indians had (some) Henry or Winchester repeaters--- What's ALWAYS left out is the cavalry always employed CANNONS before their charges--- On this occasion at the Battle of the Greasy Grass, Custer attacked w/o their use, but it was Custer's impatience and arrogance as to why he and his men got killed... While Custer thought he was going to route these supposed uncivilized savages, The truth is that when the Indians (finally) equaled or surpassed the U.S Cavalry in firepower and numbers, the cavalry was soundly defeated on the battlefield.......
@williamanthony9090
@williamanthony9090 Жыл бұрын
@@thomasfoss9963- By uncivilized savages.
@thomasfoss9963
@thomasfoss9963 Жыл бұрын
@@williamanthony9090 Go educate yourself, will ya! The savagery of the US Cavalry and Army upon the hundreds of tribes across their land is fairly well documented, but biased, and unparalleled in ruthlessness--- If you dig deep enough into NA history like I have for 25 years, you will see who the Real savages were-----
@williamanthony9090
@williamanthony9090 Жыл бұрын
@@thomasfoss9963 zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
@hatuletoh
@hatuletoh 2 жыл бұрын
Excellent video--very clear summation of the troop movements, and reasonable supposition about what Custer was thinking. He made all the wrong choices that day, but the narrative has become that he went in recklessly because he wanted a big victory to restore his reputation. That was probably on his mind, but I think his biggest mistake, and what really got his men and him killed, was his failure to consider the implications of confronting a larger concentration of native people than had ever before been seen or fought. Trying to use the same tactics--and numbers--that had been successful in past fights against an enemy only a fraction of the size is a failure of leadership, but it's a good bit less ignominious, I think, for someone to have failed to adapt to novel situation than to have charged in recklessly in pursuit of personal accolades and/or to escape suspicion in an entirely unrelated matter. That said, Custer shouldn't have left his ass in the breeze with his only hope of salvation from Reno and Benteen. Two men of..."questionable," shall we say?--ability, utility, motivation, and enthusiasm. Although the troopers under their commands were pretty pleased to have been with them rather than Custer that day in June 1876 As one said at Reno's Board of Conduct hearing, "if we'd been lead by braver men, we'd all be dead."
@mistervacation23
@mistervacation23 11 ай бұрын
I think the fact the calvary still fought the way they did in the Civil War is a part of their downfall. To get off your horse, with every fifth man holding the horses, was a bad way to fight. The Indians fought from their horses, and excelled
@getoffenit7827
@getoffenit7827 9 ай бұрын
The Cavalry was supposed to create a blocking force,Dismounting and forming a skirmish line is how you block an opposing force from leaving an immediate area. Custer was supposed to come down from the northern end of the village and push the warriors directly into Reno's blocking position..the indians would essentially be in the jaws of a 'vise'. The Cavalry..trying to ride and fight with indians on horseback wasnt going to accomplish the desired 'blocking force'...the Cavalry needed to stop,form a skirmish line and throw up a wall of lead in order to 'block'
@mistervacation23
@mistervacation23 9 ай бұрын
@@getoffenit7827 ok
@Minforsale
@Minforsale 6 ай бұрын
Not only that, but one time on vacation I actually ate some horse feces.
@jwdundon
@jwdundon 5 ай бұрын
Sounds like your a real expert on military tactics. When did you graduate war college?
@andrew9716
@andrew9716 4 ай бұрын
​@@jwdundonI got my degree in horse feces at the War College
@Nativelegends
@Nativelegends 10 күн бұрын
I’ve always found this battle fascinating. Captain Keogh's service is remarkable, and his bond with Commanche is unforgettable.
@ByronWWW
@ByronWWW 8 ай бұрын
I'm currently reading the killing of crazy horse by Thomas powers - thanks for these videos, they really help give additional context to the battles described in the book and some context around what was going on around the same time
@MilitaryHistory317
@MilitaryHistory317 8 ай бұрын
A great book! Thank You.
@DillPickle99
@DillPickle99 Жыл бұрын
Btw great series and your use of satellite images is just great!
@Jay_Hall
@Jay_Hall 2 жыл бұрын
Great work and thank you for the brilliance you have showered upon us, mavens of history. :) HuRaHH
@marks1638
@marks1638 2 жыл бұрын
Excellent presentation!
@MGJDMNJ
@MGJDMNJ 8 ай бұрын
New to your content and love it. Bonus points for the Zulu theme in the beginning. One of my favorite films
@garymills562
@garymills562 11 ай бұрын
Well done, you have tied together the failures of the commander, fate, and the victors, the Souix command. Still can't come to grips with the "extras" in this "terrible glory"....
@tscully1504
@tscully1504 5 ай бұрын
Great choice of opening theme. This battle along with Isandwana/Roarkes drift and a very few others will always generate interest and study.
@LibCon1980
@LibCon1980 2 жыл бұрын
The beginning music is from the movie “Zulu” circa 1964. It is a dramatization of the British Army defense of Rorke’s Drift. The outcome from that battle that took place in South Africa in 1879 was a British military victory against overwhelming odds.
@gap9992
@gap9992 Ай бұрын
and was an engagement that started on the afternoon of a day when earlier the Zulus had annihilated >1,000 British a short distance away at Isandlwana. The movie Zulu Dawn covers that battle. The British commander, Lord Chelmsford, had divided his forces without knowing the location or strength of the enemy showing much complacency. The British forces were overwhelmed in 'the open' Whilst he Zulus did not have superior weapons, they did greatly outnumber the British and local allies.
@edwinchapple7224
@edwinchapple7224 15 күн бұрын
⁠@@gap9992the defence of Rorke’s involved two forces that were not involved at Isandlwana, it was a separate engagement.
@localbod
@localbod 6 ай бұрын
Thank you for posting this interesting, informative and enjoyable video. I thought the last sentence was very fitting and respectful of the tribal warriors who took part in that battle.
@donaustadt
@donaustadt Жыл бұрын
An excellent series, great work!
@phenom568
@phenom568 9 ай бұрын
What I've learned from these videos is the flow of battle is the US troops dismount and create a skirmish line. As long as that line keeps up a high enough rate of fire the Indians stay back. But when the rate of fire slows they push in. This style of fighting reminds me alot of the battle at Isandlwana which took place 3 years later. In the case of Little big horn Custer simply didn't have the manpower to create a sustainable firing line and he didn't help himself by constantly splitting up his forces. The other big impact was Reno losing his nerve which shifted all the attention to Custer.
@ROBSHOTZ
@ROBSHOTZ 2 жыл бұрын
Admiral Halsey sent his fleet through a typhoon and lost a few ships. Nobody is perfect.
@williamphillips6049
@williamphillips6049 Жыл бұрын
The difference is that Halsey came back.
@michaelrichardson6051
@michaelrichardson6051 Жыл бұрын
Too bad two ships and approx . 700 sailors did not come back because of Halsey's mistake.
@williamphillips6049
@williamphillips6049 Жыл бұрын
@@michaelrichardson6051 I guess that does beat Custer's.
@sandidavis820
@sandidavis820 Жыл бұрын
In my humble opinion Custer got what he deserved, just wish it had been sooner.
@tcarroll3954
@tcarroll3954 4 ай бұрын
Halsey lost around 700 men. Nothing to sneeze at.
@davewilson9738
@davewilson9738 11 ай бұрын
The paraphrase at the end I think its the fairest and most concise appraisal; the Natives fought a better fight. Really interesting, thank you!
@MilitaryHistory317
@MilitaryHistory317 10 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
@dannygreenii5611
@dannygreenii5611 2 жыл бұрын
IMHO....@ the beginning of.... As always sir..... This video. The two markers..... IMHO, only one trooper.
@thomaskindlund410
@thomaskindlund410 Жыл бұрын
Thanks very much...nicely done
@DanylRome
@DanylRome Жыл бұрын
I like the video, I'm Italian and I've always studied the battles of the past (mainly those of the Roman army) ... I would like to say, after listening, that I learned studying those short moments, but long and infinite for those who lived them, that all known historical battles are made by commanders who have to make decisions, many times those decisions have to be made quickly, and executed as quickly as possible, because 1 minute after that order may no longer have a tactical meaning to advantage ... and here history teaches us that battles are made mainly by mistakes ... because it is easier to make mistakes than to understand a field which was sometimes 1 km long or even 5/6 km long, if not more ... you cannot see everything in the confusion of the moment and sometimes the signals are already wrong when they arrive ... you think at the beginning that everything is coordinated well, but events like this change quickly ... a clash between opponents is not a game of chess where you can think about the next move ... but you have to anticipate it, act and react ... and that's why it is easy to make mistakes, because everything changes ... above all the soul of the soldiers ... Custer was just unlucky, maybe he didn't quite understand what was happening, maybe ... perhaps he had managed to take prisoners, maybe ... perhaps he thought Benteen would arrive, maybe ... I don't know and we will never know ... but I think that probably the confusion of the moment could have created anarchy among some officers and petty officers, since they weren't all united around their commander ... on the other hand, soldiers are people made up of their weaknesses, when suddenly chaos reigns and you don't understand the orders or who is sending them (because the soldier can also understand that an order could be wrong because it arrived late, or just because from his position he sees a different scenario, so he cannot act and gets confused and panicked) the soldiers panic and escape if they can ... in the history of battles is full of soldiers running away ... these were the battles of the past ... I repeat: we will never know the truth, but it is clear (from my point of view) that those soldiers were only looking for salvation, because everything went haywire ... Custer is not to blame, he could not do anything, moreover, it is wrong to think that he was not a good commander ... he was an excellent commander, because he was bad enough to command and he knew how to make decisions very quickly ... but that day everything became uncontrollable ... he could not do anything even before it all happened, since he could not know it nor prevent ... it is easy to say after ... from my point of view, this battle is the example that panic, anarchy and confusion is the most important part of battles, since it always decides the fate of one side ... soldiers are people who reason, they are sensitive to life and the instinct of salvation is human, it also prevails over orders ... especially in hand-to-hand battles of the past ... there are no heroes in battles, only men
@MilitaryHistory317
@MilitaryHistory317 Жыл бұрын
Thank You! BTW, I saw the Rolling Stones in Turin back in the summer of 1990. I spent about a dozen years on active duty and as a Reservist, either leading, observing, or being part of military After Action Reviews (AARs). The thing that became so clear to me and actually is reinforced by the work of Kahneman and Tversky (Thinking Fast and Slow) is assumptions. I need to make a video on military decision-making and how it applies to this battle and, in fact, all battles.
@michaelkalinoski7998
@michaelkalinoski7998 Жыл бұрын
Anyone who lived the nightmare of combat. You gave a very good explanation of chaos. Cause most times it is.
@DanylRome
@DanylRome Жыл бұрын
@@MilitaryHistory317 Thx for your reply
@DanylRome
@DanylRome Жыл бұрын
@@michaelkalinoski7998 Thx for your reply
@Anvilarm07
@Anvilarm07 2 жыл бұрын
Excellent video. One of the best I've seen. Nice clear audio. Excellent photos and aerial shots. A scale on those photos, especially the aerials, would have been helpful. Strangely this video has few numbers on the final attacking Fist Nations forces.
@MilitaryHistory317
@MilitaryHistory317 2 жыл бұрын
Interestingly, I was talking with an old Army comrade earlier this week and we discussed the need to add the map scale to all shots. In earlier episodes, I touch on the number of native warriors. I did not want to get bogged down in that controversy. I get enough hate mail. LOL. Thank You, and stay tuned for the rest of the series. We shall revisit General Crook and introduce General Miles, which it seems few people know anything substantively of value.
@richardcowling7381
@richardcowling7381 Жыл бұрын
Loved the use of the music from "Zulu" for a commentary on the Little Big Horn, though the music from "Zulu Dawn" would have been more appropriate.
@bcb76
@bcb76 2 жыл бұрын
Well done, thank you.
@icewaterslim7260
@icewaterslim7260 2 жыл бұрын
This turns out to be a very good series, as comprehensively researched as is possible with no axes to grind and nothing about the officers, lacking any corroborating evidence, assumed as fact. Should be a must read for any history buff interested in learning of the battle.
@azbdizzy4176
@azbdizzy4176 2 жыл бұрын
Study the battle of Sayler's Creek near the end of the civil war. George and Tom Custer were there and it explains his tactics at the Little Big Horn. The confederates were in fact retreating. The Sioux were not.
@matthewhicks1725
@matthewhicks1725 2 жыл бұрын
If I’m not mistaking. Tom won 1 of his 2 MOH’s at Sayler’s Creek. After getting shot in the face and taking the confederate color bearer’s flag.
@azbdizzy4176
@azbdizzy4176 2 жыл бұрын
@@matthewhicks1725 That's correct and my ancestor won the MOH capturing a confederate flag in the same battle.
@matthewhicks1725
@matthewhicks1725 2 жыл бұрын
@@azbdizzy4176 That is awesome! You should be proud!
@mikegoodwin5678
@mikegoodwin5678 2 жыл бұрын
I really enjoyed how well these videos were done. My thoughts. Custer was arrogant, bold and a glory hunter but then a lot of the great ones are. It served him well in the Civil War but it got him and his immediate command wiped out here. If he had kept his command together I don't believe it would have happened. He divided his command in the face of a numerically superior enemy and got beat in detail. He was so worried they would get away I don't ever think he thought they would stand and fight.
@ToddSauve
@ToddSauve 3 ай бұрын
Custer did not know he was outnumbered by the Indians until it was too late. His scouts told him there were way too many Indians for his cavalry but he didn't believe them because from ten miles away he couldn't comprehend the size of their horse herd even when using his telescope. A human mistake that cost him a very bad defeat. But not a deliberate one. And I am not a Custer fan but people claiming he was greedy for glory are not correct.
@mikegoodwin5678
@mikegoodwin5678 3 ай бұрын
@@ToddSauve Of course he was a glory hunter, what would make you say he wasn't? The flamboyant outfits the press releases, that doesn't scream look at me I am wonderful to you? All you have to do is look into his political machinations, Military screw ups and his financial problems in the years after the war. He needed a win in the worse way and this was his chance. No one could ever question his courage but it is easy with 20 20 hindsight to point to the mistakes. It is not like he made just one. Decided to attack without Gibbons and Terry. Decided to attack with tired troopers and horses. Divided his command after being told how big the camp was. His plan was based on what he thought the Indians would do and not what they could do. If he pulled it off he would have been basked in glory. Being bold can turn a loss into a win. If he keeps the command together and charges into the camp with a combined force I think he wins but we will never know.
@ToddSauve
@ToddSauve 3 ай бұрын
@@mikegoodwin5678 Custer was not unique in his beliefs among those in the 19th century US army. Fights against the tribes were considered very low grade affairs compared to what happened in the civil war. It was little wonder he thought he could defeat them even if they were three or four times as numerous. From Grant down to the lowliest recruit the tribes were considered easy pickings. They just never stood and fought, so any victory over them was no real feather in anyone's cap. Until they got their butts handed to them the US army would never change its opinion on that. To ride a victory over the tribes to some sort of political career was pretty unlikely. You would get a few good headlines but that would soon be forgotten.
@mikegoodwin5678
@mikegoodwin5678 3 ай бұрын
@@ToddSauve Yes compared to the Civil War these were low grade affairs. Even if Fetterman was crushed 10 years earlier that is less than 100 guys in a battle. Although Custers troopers were probably not of the same caliber as his troops in the Civil War. Preconceived thoughts and underestimating your opponent has led to a lot of defeats through the years. If Custer brings the plains Indians to the reservation with a big victory he would have been able to turn it into at least some political capital. It is not like he didn't have thoughts of that and he was already the Boy General and a Civil War hero. Custer splitting his force again and again just degraded his fighting force and allowed it to get crushed piecemeal.
@ToddSauve
@ToddSauve 3 ай бұрын
@@mikegoodwin5678 I have heard that the modern US army has done studies on how Custer commanded at the Little Bighorn and found that according to what he knew at the time, he commanded correctly. Not listening to his Indian scouts and their warnings about the size of the village when they were at the Crows Nest, IMHO, is where he jumped the tracks. After that it was a guaranteed bad result.
@matthewhicks1725
@matthewhicks1725 2 жыл бұрын
You may think Custer and his acolytes weren’t glory hungry hounds or raving lunatics. But Im my opinion. You have to be one of those if not both. To take 210 men against a stationary Indian camp. With thousands of lodges and 2000 angry Indian warriors. Custers own scouts said afterward. That once they crossed the divide. They had a hard time staying in advance of the column. Cause Custer was moving to fast. Obviously he was obsessed with the village not scattering. But had he listened to his scouts and used his common sense. He would have figured out that the village was not going to run. I love ur videos by the way!
@tracysrocket
@tracysrocket 2 жыл бұрын
First, thank you for all of your efforts. The last thing I want is to convey any negativity about the content. But, I found myself having to stop the video and rewind, to process the narration and the photos/maps. It moved a bit fast for the viewer in my opinion- However, I can always watch it again!
@MilitaryHistory317
@MilitaryHistory317 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for that feedback. I have researched how long various documentary makers transition from one to the next, actually timing Ken Burns stuff, but I am tending to agree with you that it should be a slower transition. The other thing is I plan to build more animations into the maps.
@wayartio
@wayartio 2 жыл бұрын
@@MilitaryHistory317 We are in no way beating up on you. I think your perspective and presentation is OUTSTANDING sir. It is a fresh take on this event and will gain a lot of respect and admiration much like Custer Appollo did. FANTASTIC JOB!
@joeritchie4554
@joeritchie4554 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your time and effort presenting this information for us. One thing is certain is that Custer made a huge mistake dividing his command. Being in the middle of two armies is a position that Stonewall Jackson, and Napolean loved to be in. You can hold the one army with a minimum of troops (in this case warriors), and destroy the other army. I realize the Sioux and Cheyenne did not know about this tactic, but used it to their benefit. I think Custer may have lost a lot of men keeping his command together, but it would have given them a better chance to survive as it would have kept his firepower together. They would not have been so spread out like they were in Custer's advance. You used the theme from the movie Zulu. If you look at what actually happened there, 160-180 men who were in a strong defensive position held off 4,000 warriors. If Custer kept his men together, they could have done the same thing. Custer could have waited until packs got there and had more men and ammo. There were too many assumptions on Custer's part.
@LoneWolf-rc4go
@LoneWolf-rc4go 2 жыл бұрын
I think the whole thing comes down to poor reconnaissance (something that a Cavalry commander should be good at). If Custer had believed what his scouts were telling him and had a better idea about what he was facing then there would probably never have been a battle (or if there was it probably wouldn't have been so one-sided). At the end of the day the fault for the defeat, IMO, lies with Custer. He ignored the intelligence that he had been given and then dispersed his fighting strength with little to no idea what lay before him.
@joeritchie4554
@joeritchie4554 2 жыл бұрын
@@LoneWolf-rc4go I have to agree with you. Custer should have not attacked, and moved into a blocking position. I also think that he was erroneous in not waiting for Benteen and the packs arriving before making a move. I have heard several people say that maybe Custer was going to use a similar tactic like at the Battle of Washita. However, the village was so much larger, the inhabitants were up and moving, and it was a hot summer day. Conditions were very unlike Washita and should have been accounted for. Custer's tactics invited defeat.
@kennethdelorey8842
@kennethdelorey8842 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for putting out these excellent videos on LBH and the Battle of Rosebud. While we all wonder how Custer, Reno, Benteen, Crook, etc..could have done better at the end of it the Sioux and Cheyenne warriors had a heck of a 9-10 day run. They forced Crook back to Wyoming, wiped out Custer's force, and had the remainder of the 7th on Reno Hill in survival mode. The warriors fought hard, well, and effectively.
@joeritchie4554
@joeritchie4554 2 жыл бұрын
@@kennethdelorey8842 I will agree with that. I am not looking at those battles and the moves the leaders made to be victories for the US cavalry. My thinking is just the waste of manpower, shoddy planning, and the lack of respect for their opponent. My thinking is that better tactics and planning would have led to less casualties for the cavalry. I personally cannot stand shoddy planning and the fact that our military leaders refused to adapt to their opponents tactics. It has been done in almost all of the wars and has lead to many unneeded casualties in my opinion.
@linnduesterbeck8529
@linnduesterbeck8529 Жыл бұрын
He got greedy and ego got in his way
@reecom9884
@reecom9884 2 жыл бұрын
The purpose of the US Cavalry is to act as the eyes and ears and do hit and run attacks to delay the enemy for the infantry troops, and maintain their mobility. The Cavalry was armed with revolvers and swords for quick close-in hit and run attack. They had single shot long range carbines for dismounted skirmish for a quick attack with one trooper holding fours horses; they weren’t suppose to fight as infantry in a prolong engagement and quickly remount and leave the fire fight. As soon as Custer fought his Cavalry in a prolong dismounted skirmish in the battlefield like infantry against mounted Indians and dismounted Indians using quick firing repeating guns that were short range and bow and arrows with rolling hills and deep ravines it was the end. The mounted Indians used their mobility to hit and run at the flanks distracting Custer’s skirmish line of troopers while the dismounted Indians slowly moved against Custer using cover to get close for their repeating rifles and bow and arrows against the slow firing single shot carbines.
@LoneWolf-rc4go
@LoneWolf-rc4go 2 жыл бұрын
This is a very good point. When you start using a tool for something it isn't designed for then you instantly have the potential for things to go very wrong. The battle is one of those 'multiple points of failure' affairs which just snowball into catastrophe. The blame that should lie with Custer is his decision not to listen to the warning from his scouts and even if he hadn't taken these reports seriously he shouldn't have divided his force up before doing some more reconnaissance.
@reecom9884
@reecom9884 2 жыл бұрын
@@LoneWolf-rc4go In the Little Big Horn campaign, Custer disobeyed General Terry’s orders and didn’t wait for the infantry and independently attacked the Indians. The attack plan was a “Hammer and Anvil”. The infantry was the Hammer and Custer was the Anvil. Custer was to go around the Indians’ flank and block their retreat. Gen. Terry offered Custer Gatling guns to increase his fire power blocking the Indians’ retreat and Colonel Gibson offered four companies of this 2nd Calvary to bolster his troop strength. Custer wanted to beat the infantry and didn’t want to be held up by the Gatling guns and pushed his troops hard to get there early before the infantry. He also didn’t want to share the victory with the four companies of the 2nd Calvary and wanted the victory to be solely his. Custer thought that he was always right and wanted the public’s praises for his victory in battle. Custer was an “Adrenaline Junkie” who was addicted to battle and glory, no matter the cost.
@upscaleshack
@upscaleshack Жыл бұрын
There were no swords in Custer's cavalry, by his orders.
@reecom9884
@reecom9884 Жыл бұрын
@@upscaleshack So when the troops were out of ammo they had nothing left to fight with.
@ToddSauve
@ToddSauve 3 ай бұрын
@@reecom9884 Not so. Find a copy of Terry's orders to Custer online and you will be able to read with your own eyes that Terry specifically stated that Custer could do as he saw fit under the circumstances as he found them. Terry tried to claim Custer disobeyed orders but Terry was not telling the truth and he knew it.
@louisavondart9178
@louisavondart9178 Жыл бұрын
Little is mentioned about the actual condition of the troopers on that day. They had been constantly on the move for some time and they would have been tired and saddle sore before the fight started. Add to that the fact that it was during the hottest part of the day. Some testimony by the Indian warriors stated that the troopers were firing wildly, some into the air, some into the ground and they were walking like drunken men as they tried to escape. Heat exhaustion has killed armies before. The defeat of the Crusader army at the Horns of Hattin is a good example.
@dks13827
@dks13827 Жыл бұрын
And they had not eaten. Bad. Maybe that morning and last night's meals were missed.
@Bill67604
@Bill67604 Жыл бұрын
I watched a documentary recently in which the remains of some of the troopers were examined and, unsurprisingly, they were found to be in poor physical condition. Malnourished, crumbling discs in their backs due to being in the saddle for long periods at a time, extreme tooth decay. That all must have added up to men who were not even close to being fit for combat. It's also worth mentioning that many of them were Irish, English and German immigrants, so may not have had any extensive training. Certainly appear to be not ready for a ferocious battle with the natives.
@eagle7399
@eagle7399 11 ай бұрын
I learned during a Military History course that they were running very low on water that day, if not completely out by the time of the battle. Add that to heat, exhaustion, desperation and they were probably delirious at the end.
@Antonio-j1g
@Antonio-j1g 9 ай бұрын
the fake "hero" Custer, want the glory for himself. He this idiot pushed his men to the limit. Those soldiers had no rest for the last few days and, poory fed. Custer choose to attack in mid day, very hot, tired no meal, those soldiers had no strength to fight, but to run and every man for himself. There was NO last stand, was a rout. Custer was shot at the river my friends and his brother tiny Tim dragged him to the hill where all where massacreted thanks to the boy "general" Custer
@greghilbers4697
@greghilbers4697 2 жыл бұрын
I just visited the Battlefield last week. One thing, Custers body was found ON TOP of “Last Stand Hill”, by the Stone Monument, NOT 30-40 feet down the slope, where his “ tombstone” is located. It would seem this would be relevant.
@crypticreality8484
@crypticreality8484 Жыл бұрын
I saw that too. When you're at the big monument, it has the key in the placard that showed he fell just to the left side of the monument. Why did they put another marble headstone? Also, his brother was killed there too... Maybe that's how the confusion arises.
@MrJeffcoley1
@MrJeffcoley1 Жыл бұрын
The location of the marble markers is approximate at best. Excavations around "paired markers" where it appears two soldiers died side by side invariably turns up the remains of only a single individual. It seems the later burial details were fooled by parallel trenches where the first men on the scene dug dirt to heap upon the body where it lay, as they were too badly decomposed to move. Also - the bodies of the men in Deep Ravine have never been found. The original burial detail broke large pieces off the overhanging bank to cover the badly decomposed corpses.
@southerntanker001
@southerntanker001 Ай бұрын
@@MrJeffcoley1 Agreed. Having just viewed the battlefield less than a month ago, I was surprised at the attempts to actually identify where the troops would have actually fallen. Eyewitness accounts are historically inaccurate and the chaotic conclusion to the battle whose remains were where would be very difficult to determine with much certainty. The degree decomposition would have been a huge factor as well as predation. That had to be a gnarly and sad scene to ride up and view. As a Soldier I was so humbled by the isolation and bravery of the Soldiers staring down a certain horrible fate. Warrior stuff. Valhalla Brothers.
@towdjumper5
@towdjumper5 6 ай бұрын
Great stuff! Thank you for this resolution.
@jamesgimpel9733
@jamesgimpel9733 9 ай бұрын
Excellent. I've studied the Battle, been to the Little Bighorn twice, armed with maps of my own. This presentation agrees with my own as far as what I've learned. I'd like to see a follow-up on troopers that "almost" got away! (horseback) Were their breakouts from the "C" company charge, or Calhoun Ridge, the Keough Sector or from Last Stand Hill?
@MilitaryHistory317
@MilitaryHistory317 9 ай бұрын
I am going back out there this June!
@steelcity2621
@steelcity2621 8 ай бұрын
Thank you for your content. I know very little of the battle or what happened, but have watched a few documentaries recently and find the topic fascinating and plan on doing much more research. I did however just watch a documentary on Custer that said Finkel or Finckle was possibly the only survivor of the battle after he and his horse were wounded and his horse bolted from the battlefield with him on it. Finkle ended up surviving after he ran into a man that was living in a cabin nearby that nursed him back to health. He apparently came out in the 1920's after 40 years since the battle claiming he was Finkle and had survived the battle. Im sure many of you know or have heard this story, It was just interesting because you mentioned at 14:10 that they found his body at Finley Finkle ridge. That would certainly disprove any theory he survived the battle. Apparently some people believe this theory and some do not. I would love to hear if anybody more knowledgeable on the topic would like to weigh in ?
@MilitaryHistory317
@MilitaryHistory317 8 ай бұрын
Thank You! I have read a little about it. Another one of those great mysteries of the event that keep us interested.
@walterbrown9651
@walterbrown9651 2 жыл бұрын
I love the series! The work that you put in and your enthusiasm comes thru. I am giving serious thought to running out to Little Big Horn/Rosebud from Louisville,Ky this week or next. I'd appreciate any pointers. I appreciated the accounts from the Cheyenne,Sioux,Lakota,Oglala,etc and thought they were highly credible.
@MilitaryHistory317
@MilitaryHistory317 2 жыл бұрын
I have been told that if you ask around the gas stations next to the LBH or on the Crow Agency, they will guide you around some of the private land. I highly recommend driving out Reno Creek Road as far as you can.
@walterbrown9651
@walterbrown9651 2 жыл бұрын
@@MilitaryHistory317 thanks. I have been and returned. I can really feel the place. What a presence that LBH Battlefield emanates.
@texasjasper
@texasjasper 2 жыл бұрын
Love your analysis. I’ve read a lot, studied a lot, traveled to the battlefield 4 times over the last 50 years. Thought Custer was a idiot for much of my younger years but now I believe there were a lot of really ticked off Indians all in a small area that didn’t want their fun messed with and they weren’t gonna run this time. They had some momentum from the recent Cook fight as well as two officers under Custer’s command that hated and disrespected Custer. Lots of mistakes that day on the leadership side of the Cavalry, but mostly too many confident warriors with better guns.
@davidj4662
@davidj4662 Жыл бұрын
They totally had it coming.
@johnkeviljr9625
@johnkeviljr9625 Жыл бұрын
Well done! Very nicely done. I didn’t realize that Custer’s companies had become so spread out that they were useless a fighting group and ultimately chopped up so piecemeal. What a cluster f**k. Embarrassing, really. Every military rule or guideline for survival in battle was utterly disregarded.
@georgeclark7208
@georgeclark7208 9 ай бұрын
I never understood the fascination with the minute details of this battle. In the end, Custer's command was wiped out. Having said that, I like the way you present the various conflicting accounts, the maps, and the on site photos. Very well done.
@JamesBray-qm8gr-q3w
@JamesBray-qm8gr-q3w Жыл бұрын
Would be nice if you could do a UAV flight explanation of the Fetterman battle. Never have been able to find a video that shows the relationship of the movements relative to the fort and the ridge that the commander told them not to cross.
@henrykrecklow817
@henrykrecklow817 2 жыл бұрын
Very interesting, I wonder if you've read the book (Custer's lost officer) which give accounts of what possibility happened to Lt. Harrington? The opinion of Custer being a crazy out of control individual I think started in Hollywood with the making of Little Big Man, and took off from there.
@MilitaryHistory317
@MilitaryHistory317 2 жыл бұрын
I have not read it, but Fred Wagner discusses it in his book. Indeed, it seems the Little Big Man movie exacerbated the Custer myth. I really like the movie, but the political commentary was probably directed at the social upheaval at the time and specifically the War in Vietnam.
@rickstersherpa
@rickstersherpa Жыл бұрын
The Disney movie with Sal Mineola called "Cheyenne" with Keogh's horse as the McDuffie also portrayed Custer as the heavy.
@nicholasmuro1742
@nicholasmuro1742 Жыл бұрын
Yellow Hair Man bad was a common theme during the Civil rights movement and AIM. Culminating with the over the top portrayal in Little Big Man.
@ZiaAnnouncer
@ZiaAnnouncer 2 жыл бұрын
The forensic evidence shown from the post fire investigation, strongly suggests a broad skirmish box... suggesting that, if there were captured women and children, they most likely were held in Deep Ravine or even were there and found and captured and a skirmish box was formed around Custer's "prize". (Custer seems to have been attempting another Washita) There was a reported - half hour - of calm before everything fell apart and the battle lasted only "as long as it takes a hungry man to eat his dinner".
@gregoryalee2457
@gregoryalee2457 Жыл бұрын
One of the places in the U.S. I want to go. Thanks for video
@georgemorenstein
@georgemorenstein 8 ай бұрын
Thanks. I personally have long been of the mind that the indians were aware of Custer well in advance of his attack.
@tom80
@tom80 Жыл бұрын
I appreciate the series and your mindset that much of this information is speculative. Because there were no survivors under Custer to give testimony on this pitched battle and the Indians were fighting in a running, chaotic fashion over a vast battlefield it's hard to know exactly what happened. We get little glimpses here and there from Indian testimony but it doesn't always agree with each other. Besides the Indians were looking to move the village the next day and not hang around to see what happened next. Reno and Benteen were looking to save their bacon so they are not credible. In spite of all this intrigue and the glorification of the battle I have come to a more subdued conclusion after reading many books on the subject, examining data like experience and numbers of combatants, and watching good research like TheDataMeister puts up on KZbin. There is a lot of things unknown and nuance that will never be know but certainly Custer was dramatically outnumbered. This was an impossible task when Reno and Benteen (especially the latter) were out of the battle and Benteen showed signs of being a coward. Ironically, the Indians were vastly outnumbered as well. They just didn't know it but they knew enough to start running the day after the battle of Little Bighorn. So the leaders of the US Army and the leaders of the Indians underestimated each other. There are no real heroes here. It all ended badly for everyone. It was only a matter of when.
@joepalooka2145
@joepalooka2145 2 жыл бұрын
Excellent video. However, what I find missing in almost all Little Big Horn videos, is a serious analysis of the fighting capacity of the Indian warrior. I'm sure that most of the 7th Cavalry, starting with Major Reno, were crapping their pants in fear when the battle began. They were facing the toughest, most physically fit, fearless, hardened, violent and ruthless warriors in the history of the human race. Their archery skills are not fully appreciated by most people. The native bow is a highly developed and powerful weapon with a fast and deadly arrow. Our modern minds can grasp what guns can do, but we can't comprehend what a charging mass of thousands of enraged Indian warriors can do with archery. They were all extremely skilled at killing buffalo and other game, and no less capable when shooting men and cavalry horses. If you're a young, inexperienced 7th Cavalry soldier with a rifle facing a charging mass of Indians all shooting arrows at you from close range, a gun becomes useless when a rain of deadly arrows are penetrating your flesh. In addition, screaming cavalry horses stuck with numerous arrows running and charging in a panic all around you heightens the complete chaos. The incredible violence, fear and chaos of the Last Stand would have been totally mind-boggling.
@Resenbrink
@Resenbrink 2 жыл бұрын
Thank goodness we weren't there huh 🙂
@wayartio
@wayartio 2 жыл бұрын
Great point Sir! As Tudor Turtle would say "HELP MR WIZZARD!"
@wayartio
@wayartio 2 жыл бұрын
The Indians were resolute and choose to fight and not run on that day. They were not stupid. They also were a bigger and better armed force. They killed and wounded quite a few from long range sniper fire with accurate rifles as well!
@NrthrnKnght
@NrthrnKnght 2 жыл бұрын
their rifles were single shot
@redtobertshateshandles
@redtobertshateshandles 2 жыл бұрын
I noticed the photo of Sitting Bull reminds me of a Maori girl I work with. Maori were fierce warriors, and are still great sports people. Their Haka dance is intimidating. Considering that we are essentially Celtic ancestry, Celts were known to the Romans as warriors who attacked like hell, then panicked and retreated like hell.
@jamestakacs
@jamestakacs Жыл бұрын
I love your programs. You are terrific. Question, I'd love to see a modern day General or Colonel go over this and give their opinion on Custer and what happened. Then have said modern military leaders tell us what would have worked better if anything. I think it would be a terrific program. Thank you again for your skills.
@alfrede.neuman8898
@alfrede.neuman8898 2 жыл бұрын
Walter Camp’s book Notes On the Custer Fight is the most accurate account.
@johnpierce2095
@johnpierce2095 Жыл бұрын
safe to say, they were out numbered
@kenneth6847
@kenneth6847 Жыл бұрын
I think Custer had about three ideas of what he would do when he sent Reno. First, the pincer. Second ford at MTC. Third to circle around and come in from the North. Conditions and circumstances foiled him at every turn. Finally there were no options left.
@rustyruss2962
@rustyruss2962 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks very interesting
@jaygosev3589
@jaygosev3589 Жыл бұрын
I have a good friend (She is Crow) who owns land on the battlefield. Her great great gramps was one of the scouts
@ZiaAnnouncer
@ZiaAnnouncer 2 жыл бұрын
The Cheyenne camp was located nearest Deep Ravine. Also at Medicine Tail Coulee, the river crossing was not a viable crossing at the time. Warriors reported to Crazy Horse while at the Reno fight, that women and children 'had been captured' on the opposite end of valley gathering and he turned around and headed to engage Custer's forces.
@jamesnix729
@jamesnix729 2 жыл бұрын
Your work is exemplary. As the battle winds down, I wonder what will be your next subject matter? Any future plans you have that you care to share?
@MilitaryHistory317
@MilitaryHistory317 2 жыл бұрын
I will be in Virginia in two weeks and taking a couple of days vacation to start a couple of videos on the Valley Campaigns. I will finish up the Sioux War with the Reno Court of Inquiry's interesting facts, and the final campaigns by Crook and Miles.
@jamesnix729
@jamesnix729 2 жыл бұрын
@@MilitaryHistory317 Thank you for the reply and your continued work to share important history with others.
@phillipabeer
@phillipabeer 2 жыл бұрын
When Custer saw Reno had failed and pulled back, he should of pulled back to join him. By this time he had to know the village was bigger than he imagined. Thinking that Reno would come in support of him after getting routed is unrealistic. So, why do you think Custer didn’t withdraw to Reno and wait for Terry coming from the North? There is no explanation except glory seeking for Custer.
@ToddSauve
@ToddSauve 3 ай бұрын
Though I have never been to the Little Bighorn site I have seen much video of it, and it is very undulating ground that easily conceals what is not far away very easily. I understand that the US army has done on site evaluations of Custer's command decisions that day and found literally no fault with them. Every decision he made was correct according to the information he had at hand when he made them. To decide that Custer was merely a glory seeker who cared not one wit about his entire command reveals only the emotional state of the person making this claim. The overwhelming fact of the matter is that there were just too many Indians for the entire 7th Cavalry to contend with and Custer lost because the Indians won. Simple as that. 👀🤷😯
@Frankie5Angels150
@Frankie5Angels150 3 ай бұрын
Have you ever been in combat, Rambo? Ever been in a life or death situation where you had to think on the fly? The only explanation is that your opinion is based on nonsense.
@ToddSauve
@ToddSauve 3 ай бұрын
I think the terrain concealed the size of the village on the Little Bighorn. I've never been there personally, but I have seen extensive drone footage of the route Custer took and it seems to indeed perfectly conceal what is in front of anyone who took Custer's route that day--until it was literally too late. I doubt that "glory hunting" was the only thing on his mind. That is a popular view but not backed up by any real evidence. His orders from General Terry allowed him to do as he saw fit when he was close to the enemy. I am not a Custer fan but I am not willing to throw him under the bus in order to have someone to blame. It was simply a perfect shambles that was not possible for Custer to understand in advance. Sometimes one side loses because the other side wins. And that is what happened here.
@patrickroy3380
@patrickroy3380 2 ай бұрын
​@@Frankie5Angels150 he said Michael Corleone did this Michael Corleone did that😂 exactly Custer made adjustments on the fly plus Reno and Beenteen failed him .
@patrickroy3380
@patrickroy3380 2 ай бұрын
You're pretty clueless was the bus that picked you up a short yellow one ?
@justinmcquaide4862
@justinmcquaide4862 9 ай бұрын
I was there in May 2022 everything was green it was an amazing experience
@brianrisk5188
@brianrisk5188 8 ай бұрын
Like the Old Ironsides hat. Was with the 1st./6th Int. Reg. in early 70's. If I'm not mistaken some of the early 6th.Int. was also at the Custer Battle Site. Maybe some of the Reno defensive position. But don't quote me!
@goooser410
@goooser410 Жыл бұрын
Awesome job brother !!!!
@emmgeevideo
@emmgeevideo Жыл бұрын
I love this series...
@edwardlobb4446
@edwardlobb4446 2 жыл бұрын
If you study the terrain on Google Earth, in addition to the real terrain maps presented, it's clear that the Native Americans chose this location, because it lends itself perfectly to the type of battle in which they excelled. The "now you see 'em now you don't" lay of the land made all the difference.
@richardtofts4977
@richardtofts4977 2 жыл бұрын
I've often wondered if the vegetation has changed much over time. Is there much seasonal growth variation to the grass and shrubs? Most video footage I've seen of the battlefield shows pretty sparse shortish grass. Certainly not dense or high enough to provide much visual cover for an advancing warrior.
@thomasfoss9963
@thomasfoss9963 Жыл бұрын
Since it was summer, reports were that the grass was tall, whether it was big bluestem or another tall grass prairie mix--- It would have been trampled in areas where bison or horses had travelled over it--- The Indians knew the landscape, and the ravines and coolees-- Dismounting their horses, they crouched low to get within range with their arrows and repeaters--- Custer's strategy and orders were to outflank the Indians so they couldn't retreat, thinking they would run--- The indians initial strategy was to kill or wound as many horses as they could to halt any retreat of the 7th Cavalry, and then finish them off on the ground---- While American history calls it the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the natives call it the Battle of the Greasy Grass------
@robertwaid3579
@robertwaid3579 2 жыл бұрын
Ok To the Data Meister. I Simply Love ❤️❤️ your Episodes & Videos, of The Battle of The Little Bighorn. Your very Concise, & Thorough research, study & then Your follow up Reporting. Have been nothing but Excellent too Hear, Watch, & Enjoy. This Last Analysis seems too Me, to be the Very Best!! As well, as the. Most Logical, & Plausible, Final End Acts that Ultimately Lead too the Final. Demise of Custer's Battalion on that Fateful June, Afternoon. In Other Military Term's!! IT Was His Own Waterloo, or The English defeat at "Isandlhwana" in Africa. By Thier indigenous Native's. I state nothing New by saying that? Lt Colonel George Armstrong Custer, was definitely Arrogant, Rash n Proven, Prone to Disobey even His Written Orders? At Crucial Time's even in the Field. Thus He was a Known Hot Head, or Loose Cannon. Thank You Greatly again Mr Data Meister, for your very Wonderful Video. Wyo, Robert,🇨🇦🇺🇸🇨🇦🇺🇸🇨🇦🇨🇦👍👀🤔😎✌️✌️👍🙏🙏🙏
@ralphklinestiver511
@ralphklinestiver511 2 күн бұрын
I think that Custer’s main problem at Little Bighorn which brought direct defeat to his and Major Reno Columns was that he got too close to battle instead of supervising it. I think that he would start something and get caught up in fighting and forget that he had to support the columns he left behind. That would explain why officers would think that their commander had abandoned them which should be unthinkable for an officer to think right off as a first thought.
@JohnnyButtons
@JohnnyButtons Жыл бұрын
Great content bud 😉
@f1david
@f1david 2 жыл бұрын
I always liked the legend of the “Cheyenne Suicide Warriors”. Story is the night before the battle these warriors in a ceremony pledged to die in the next battle. Not realizing it would be the next day. These warriors charged in and started the hand to hand fighting on Last Stand Hill. So the story goes. From another KZbin channel.
@MilitaryHistory317
@MilitaryHistory317 2 жыл бұрын
It is a fascinating story about their charge.
@rdwwdr3520
@rdwwdr3520 2 жыл бұрын
Great series. Question: In other documentaries & books much is made of Reno's drinking during the battle. Is that settled history? Why did you omit that? Also, it would have been good to hear your analysis on why Reno didn't go to Custer's aid.
@MilitaryHistory317
@MilitaryHistory317 2 жыл бұрын
Most people believe he was under the influence as do I, but some vehemently say there is no real proof. I recorded a rant about his actions on the battlefield, but have not included it. It seems I may produce something about the great controversies of the battle or the like.
@williamfeldner9356
@williamfeldner9356 2 жыл бұрын
Custer always led from the front against terrible odds during the Civil War. So impressed was General Sheridan of his fighting abilities that he gave the table to Custer’s wife where General Grant and General Lee signed the Souths surrender that ended the Civil War. He had 11 horses shot from under him during Calvary Charges during the Civil War. I am sure he would have calculated his odds of winning, every Officer does…. He under estimated his enemy, perhaps just like the US has done during Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan…. He won many battles for his Country and lost one…….. salute to Custer and salute to the brave Indian Warriors who were trying to protect their people and their way of life…. They all knew the meaning of courage…….
@Momusinterra
@Momusinterra Жыл бұрын
If the number of horses shot from under them is a measure of a cavalry leader's courage then Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest towers above Custer with 30.
@alanwallace5342
@alanwallace5342 Жыл бұрын
Sheridan bought the table from the owner Wilmer McLean and presented it to Custer as a gift for his wife Libby, accompanied with a letter of gratitude explaining its significance and praising her husband's part in the victory. Grant wasn't too fond of Custer, especially after he was publicly critical of the Grant administration's handling of Indian Affairs.
@williamfeldner9356
@williamfeldner9356 Жыл бұрын
@@alanwallace5342 thanks for the correction
@williamfeldner9356
@williamfeldner9356 Жыл бұрын
@@donadams5094 Custer did not fight against his own Country, that is false, he was in the Union Army trying to preserve the States…… You will notice I also saluted the brave Indians Warriors that were trying to preserve their way of life….. Unfortunately this is a story of the Conquerors and the Conquered, just like it has always been throughout history,,,, The Lakota took the Black Hills in 1776 from the Cheyenne, another words the Lakota Indians warred against the Cheyenne Indians and took possession of the Black Hills the same way as the US Government, no real innocent parties involved. An unfortunate fact of history is that the Victor takes the spoils of War….. I admire Custer for his courage and nothing else…..
@jamesfigueroa6478
@jamesfigueroa6478 Жыл бұрын
I disagree that the US underestimated our opponents in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. We overestimated the will of the American people to do what it takes to win a war. No coincidence that the only American victories in the last 78 years, were the quick ones (Grenada, Panama, Desert Storm). Americans are a weak breed.
@christophercook723
@christophercook723 2 жыл бұрын
I had a great uncle who died at this battle. He was not in the Cavalry but Camping nearby and went over to complain about the noise. The Two Ronnie's 1960s.
@donb7113
@donb7113 3 ай бұрын
You’ll never convince me that Custers ego and narcissistic personality had nothing to do with his loss. He was a showboater, braggart, and though a competent cavalry man, those first two personality traits were his undoing.
@ericstevens8744
@ericstevens8744 2 ай бұрын
Absolutely 💯 on point with your analysis
@stephengreene1856
@stephengreene1856 2 жыл бұрын
I have thought that Custer's intent from the start was to try and capture the families of the warriors in order to stop the fight before the warriors overwhelmed the troopers. He had to have known he was outnumbered before the fight actually started. At the point Custer understood Reno was being routed...Did Custer have a plan in mind to capture the civilians? But saw Reno being routed now had to try and capture civilians without Reno keeping the warriors pinned and engaged near the village?
@jeep146
@jeep146 2 жыл бұрын
I think that was his plan once he knew this was a bigger camp then he first thought. He had done it before so there is no reason he would not try it again. Where the plan for him fell apart was he could not find a place to cross the river. Once spotted the women fled and the warriors were alerted. Now he had no hostages to bargain with.
@greggeagleplume9817
@greggeagleplume9817 6 ай бұрын
Custer was shot down by the river n was dragged up to the hill by the soldiers so he didn’t fight in the battle
@johnjimenez3106
@johnjimenez3106 20 күн бұрын
⁠@@greggeagleplume9817 I disagree. Custer was in command of the Left Wing and looking for a place to cross. He never made it down the the river. I’ve read the stories about how he was shot down while attempting to cross but other Native testimony contradicts that claim. Also, Custer carried a Remington Sporting rifle for hunting. He was the only one that had that specific rifle. When the burial detail showed up 2 days after the fight, there were about a dozen spent Remington cartridges found right next to Custer’s body. Now is it possible another soldier could’ve used this rifle as Custer lay dying after being shot by the river? Sure. But from what I’ve read, Custer was very much in command and unwounded until making it to Last Stand Hill.
@a.muligan4991
@a.muligan4991 Жыл бұрын
This is an excellent synopsis, much appreciated. I have a question for the producer. Have you ever read Emory Upton's Calvary tactics, that I believe were produced in the year 1874? Some years ago I read a book that was produced after the field burnt off in 1984 or so. From the archaeological evidence it appears to me that someone had deployed Custer's companies in a holding position, I believe with the purpose of waiting for Benteen to join up. It seems out of character For Custer based on his documented aggressive nature, but it appears to me that he did assume a holding position on that Hill, and for that there can only be one reason and that is the wait for reinforcements from benteen and the pack train. That of course did not happen and under increasing pressure from the Sioux and Cheyenne who were able concentrate their assault on Custer's five companies as Reno had already withdrawn across the river, the besieged companies on last stand Hill collapsed one-by-one upon their leadership and were destroyed. It appears that captain benteen did in fact have time to reach a supporting position to his Commander, as you point out that Weir was able to see the collapse of E company from Weir point, as it was taking place. Once again thank you very much for your efforts this is particularly interesting those of us who don't have the time or wherewithal devoted to the subject
@Jack51971
@Jack51971 8 ай бұрын
Historians know what happened....and pretty much for sure! Why the doubt? Custer comes up to the camp and his troop of 600 is tired. It was hot. Custer sends Reno into the camp by crossing the river. Warriors are surprised and hundreds come running out and Reno retreats across the river and meets up with Benteen who was in the rear. Custer was up on the bluff and he splits his group and tries to attack the camp. Hundreds of warriors come up and back up the hill they go. Benteen and Reno never go to Custer's aid. War is chaos. 600 troops verses 1500 to 3000 warriors. 600 troops who were split into 4 groups overall. End of story really. A question is what happened to the 20 to 30 soldiers killed in deep ravine? So, there is no mystery at Little Big Horn. Had Custer attacked with all 647 troops with Reno things would have been very different that day. Custer was advised not to attack the village he did not know the enemy strength which is everything in battle. End of story.😊
@Jack51971
@Jack51971 8 ай бұрын
The Indians seemed to be surprised that the soldiers were there because when Reno attacks the camp woman and children were killed. This is odd because several Indians earlier that day or the day before were run off by Custer's troop and did they not tell anyone in the main camp? Some suggest that when Reno attacked some Indian men approached Reno's regiment wanting to talk? Had Custer gone on with Reno and all 647 troopers things would have been much different that day. The 7th Calvary might have actually won the battle even though outnumbered heavily.😊
@johnjimenez3106
@johnjimenez3106 20 күн бұрын
⁠​⁠@@Jack51971You are correct on your statements. Natives did find the hard tack that fell off the wagon. But they were going in a different direction and did not try to go back and warn the camp. And when Reno approached the southern end of the village, that was Sitting Bull’s people. He sent his nephew, on his best horse, to ride out and talk to the soldiers. Sitting Bull gave testimony years later stating, “If the soldiers asked us to return to the reservations, we would have.” His reasons were that the Natives had done their hunting and celebrating their traditions and were ready to comply with the US Gov’s wishes. However, that all changed when One Bull got about 30 yards from the soldiers and they fired on him. He survived but Sitting Bull’s horse was killed. And the rest is history…
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